As for your knives, a few basics like a paring knife, chef knife and something serrated will cover most of your needs. Another thing that I noticed is that when people get into the mindset of minimalist living, some things are often forgotten such as Art. *edit 3: added and subtracted some stuff from my list. Ikea is a great choice as well for kitchenware, and their knives are surprisingly high quality. For your apartment, you dont need a super expensive couch, just something that is comfortable and seats multiple people. You will need to buy dishes for your first college apartment. Check out sometips for picking your new mattress. And dont forget any smart devices you may want to add a little extra fun and convenience. You can always add to your collection later heres a complete list topick up more groceriesafter youre all settled into your first apartment. Where I live is supposed to be a place where I get away from my job and the gym and the people all around me and it's all mine. Expert moving tips and Throwing the mattress on the floor works but going the extra mile and getting a full bed frame will make your new apartment feel like home. Grab a few pieces of reusable Tupperware or Gladware to keep your food fresh (if you havent already). Make sure you also have a carbon monoxide detector and add a small fire extinguisher to your safety essentials list to keep on hand near the kitchen. Area rugs are an easy way to add color to the living room and can often brighten up the room. We will add to this list, so come back often to check on, Pottery Barn Teen has many items for college students to use in their dorms or apartments. Lamp: At least one; preferably two, one for either side of the bed, Curtains, if your bedroom doesnt have some sort of window coverings already, Storage: Dresser, plastic organizers, or under-the-bed containers, Inexpensive full-length mirror, if you dont have a good one elsewhere, Cedar balls or rings, if moths are an issue, Toothbrush holder or case: A simple plastic cup can get the job done just wash it regularly, Coffee table (it doesnt need to be big), Additional lighting: One or two lamps; floor lamp, if lighting is a major issue, Desk and chair, if you are going to be working from home, Baking soda and baking powder, if you intend to bake anything, Cereal: One or two boxes should be sufficient, especially to start, Ketchup and mustard (or preferred condiments), Vinegar (white, red, apple cider, balsamic), Milk (cow, soy, almond, or whichever type you prefer), Cheese (cheddar or parmesan are standard for most recipes), Fresh fruit (save money by purchasing whole fruits, not pre-cut or packaged), Fresh vegetables (save money by purchasing whole vegetables, not pre-cut or packaged), Butterfly bandage: One package for keeping deep lacerations closed, Fans: One for each room, if your apartment doesnt have ceiling fans, Flashlight: One in your bedroom and one in the main living space, Screwdriver: Philips and straight blade for assembling furniture and other tasks. Thanks for for the ideas! You want to have a desk in your bedroom for studying. You will need flatware for almost every meal and can reuse it for years to come. Make sure to buy shower curtains for your bathroom. Consider matching your window coverings and bathmats to the shower curtain and towels you already picked out. Laura Mueller is a professional writer with nearly five years of experience writing about moving. However, if youre more of the DIY type, these are a few basic pots and pans you should have in your first kitchen. You can also find cheap sofas if your college has a Facebook Free and For Sale page. A vacuum cleaner can be handy for your apartment for cleaning up dirt, food crumbs, and dust. The bad news is your teen is LEAVING for college. Washable ones are efficient. Our apartment essentials: first apartment checklist below should help you get started. Keep in mind that none of these items have to be top quality. Parents usually try the most. String lights are great for movie nights or late-night studying. A bed frame, dresser and bedside table can sometimes be bought as a set at a discount, or you can check out your local thrift shops for an eclectic look. Its a lengthy section, so buckle up. Oh, and theres no shame in snagging something used from a friend or family member. BTW, you might want to even buy a few extra bowls as you will eat and heat up more things in a bowl than you can imagine. Furniture is an important apartment essential, of course, but most of these items you can put off buying until you have the money/find a great deal. In the 2019 to 2020 school year, she was the advertising director for The Bottom Line newspaper at UC Santa Barbara. Does feeling at home impact their happiness? I'm in marketing and I feel irresponsible to not be able to check out current TV ads. My advice is bring whatever you need for your daily routine and add to that as you go. Pots and pans are necessary for preparing meals now that you will no longer be eating at the dining hall. This one is very narrow and is available in six great colors. Coffee maker or French press: If youre a regular coffee drinker, its a lot cheaper to make it in your kitchen than get it to go from the coffee shop every day. I live by myself so I just wash it after eating. Look for something that will fit your space comfortably and give you an option to share with guests other than perhaps your midweek preference of the couch. I don't want to bring crap I don't need but I also don't want to give/sell anything that i'll need to re-buy later. And unless you went with a platform style bed, youll need a box spring or foundation to support your mattress on your frame. How to choose the right size moving container. Using real dishware is also a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. Its a great place to put drinks when hosting a party and adds some personality to your home. Try to be graceful with them :). Lots of places around here don't want to look run-down and prohibit clothes lines or hanging laundry on the balcony. In the beginning, after you move into your first apartment, there will probably be lots of trips back and forth to the store, and thats totally fine. Its time to grab any additional cleaning items you still need. Your teen will find an incredibly wide selection, Amazon Prime Day continues through tonight, July 13 at 11:59PM PT Its a great time to buy things youve had your eye on for yourself and to pick up some of the basics or extras for your college students dorm or apt. Even though it is an everyday essential, there is no reason that it has to be ordinary. Having under-bed storage is so useful for keeping things organized in a college apartment. Here is a first apartment checklist of essentials. Spend wisely, and stick to immediate needs. Things you can buy later: Fancy soap dispenser, water cup, extra storage, shower speaker. At some point, minimizing can stop relieving the cluttered mind and start adding a dullness to my life. The definition of essential is subjective, but youll want to pick up a few other items before moving into your first apartment. I love these 100% cotton waffle weave blankets from Vera Wang. At some point you will need to cook something, in fact you better make this your routine. Unfortunately, you cant do much in there without the basics. Note: We, The good news is your teen is GOING to college. Many college apartments dont have many outlets, which is why extension cords or power strips are so crucial. We provide the tools you need to succeed in moving. Press J to jump to the feed. Your life doesnt stop just because youve moved, so having a comfortable place to lie down at the end of the day is a must. Weve compiled a few places you might what to check for good deals on what youll need to stock your apartment, including buying used furniture. Weve all been there. How to Save Time And Money Shopping for College, Dorm Decor: How to Create a Super-Cute Dorm Room (2022). This set of 12 plates and bowls isis microwave and dishwasher safe. The good news is that you will probably reuse these for the next three years. Its also good to have a first aid kit with disinfectant, bandaids, and other basic first aid supplies. Get connected from day 1. Its easy to find coordinating shower curtains, towels, and more so that these bathroom essentials all look great together. Be prepared by having the basics on hand to treat yourself. Before you load up the car, take a look at these last-minute items to consider packing for your teen. If you havent set up your internet or TV service yet,check out what providers service your new address. I have two, but I use one as a floor mat, so really, one towel should do. Another way to add personality to your room is to have decorative lights. But now I think I could pare my must-haves back down to a suitcase. Youll definitely want a toaster or toaster oven and microwave (if your apartment doesnt include one). Start with the things you really need, and then add on and upgrade as you can. Sheets: One set to start is sufficient, as long as you can trust yourself to wash them regularly. I ended up hanging up most of my clothes in my apartment because there was not enough space for a full dresser. Tips on What Youll Need, Simple Ways to Make Your House Feel Like Home, How to Choose a Moving Company in 7 Simple Steps, A Checklist for Moving Out of State Moving to Another State, 10 Important Things to Do When Moving into a New Home, 94 Moving Hacks for Faster, Easier, Less Stressful Moves. Spend the money you'd spend on cable on a better connection and download everything. Accidents happen, and you will eventually get sick. Youre going to need seating that matches your style whether you want to host movie nights or classy cocktail parties. I'm going to make a short list and put it up top. Having several bath towels and hand towels is handy because you can alternate without doing laundry. As a substitute for surface cleaners, white vinegar is also a decent option and doesnt contain any harsh chemicals. Its a good idea to start with at least four full sets of dishware but you can always buy more if you think youll be hosting larger parties. You can choose your favorite colors or a great pattern and add accent pillows. One important thing. You won't get one list that will work with everyone. Having enough counter space for your toothbrush holder and toothpaste is optimal, but if not, you may have to use a shower caddy or toiletries bag to store things in your bedroom instead of the bathroom. When I first moved into my apartment, I tried using jugs of water, but a Brita is much more convenient and better for the environment. Make sure you have a flashlight and extra batteries, too. What is important to them? Watch everything on your computer, its way better. Note: We are a reader-supported site and receive compensation from purchases made through some of the links in this post. You need more than just pots and pans to prepare and store your food. Copyright 2022 Grown and Flown. Every school has its own rules and traditions surrounding move-in day, and you will soon learn what those are. And whether youre short or your new apartment has high ceilings, a step stool will be extremely valuable during the early phases of unpacking and is a must-have for your first apartment. She loves writing and creating videos and really enjoys working for Grown and Flown! Things you can buy later: Artwork, side tables, throw blankets, decorative pillows, plants, dcor, curtains, area rugs, sound system, TV and stand (Im not afraid to admit I watched all of Game of Thrones on an 8 iPad Mini while I saved up for a television). Dont forget to buy and install some curtains if youre still sleeping with a sheet tacked over the window. Are they a terrible sleeper who needs a comfortable bed? Exactly! No one wants to head to the store for medicine when they feel awful. Tap into the nations most extensive suite of moving technology. You want to have a full-length mirror in your bedroom to see your entire outfit. From opening a beer to draining your pasta, these kitchen tools will round out your first apartment. If you love to cook you no doubt will already have a list of your own spices to buy but even if youre more of a take-out fan, having a few spices on hand are a good idea for your first place. If you want to bake, also an oven. I'll create a master list up top as people add/subtract items. You can purchase a simple first aid kit and supplement it with over-the-counter products or start from scratch. You might have enough room for your basic toiletries in a cabinet or under the sink if you have your bathroom. Some furniture will be needed. There isn't a physical need for a great painting on the wall, but yet, in my opinion, it should be essential that there isn't a cold feeling from the place that I live. In addition to your basic toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, body wash, etc. Having a toolkit with things like a hammer, screwdriver, and nails for hanging pictures will come in handy. What Is a Moving Container & How Does It Work? Consider investing in a space heater and/or window AC if your apartments HVAC isnt quite up to snuff but make sure youchoose one of the safest space heater options. She is particularly interested in topics around organization, home design, and real estate, and definitely has a few tricks up her sleeve after moving eight times in eight years during her 20s. Things you can buy later: Toaster oven, microwave, food processor, blender, hand mixer, cake pans, serving dishes, slow cooker or Instant Pot. And now on to the big things. Never forget the decay of life when building a new one. After all, who wants to berifling through boxesfor a shower curtain when you should be out the door and on your way to work or class? Get updates straight to your inbox. You wont have to go to the coffee shop if you have a coffee craving, saving you time and money. While you dont need a ton of fancy gadgets at your first apartment, there are a few key appliances youre likely to use frequently. Purchase affordable home and renters insurance. Moving into your first college apartment is such an exciting time. It's all being stored at my parents house but they are moving in a few months which is when I move out. Then stick to it. With endless options, its easy to find a bag (and even customize one), Your college student may be nearly done packing for school and there is a pile of their belongings growing higher every day in the corner of their bedroom, in the hallway, or both. Storage is the next thing to tackle with either a bookshelf, decorative storage boxes, or a TV cabinet. Then make sure your cleaning supplies are in easy reach on moving day to catch anything you missed. This bedding is 100% cotton, available in several colors, and is washable. There may be a long list of things they WANT to buy, but here is the shortlist of the things that every college student needs to bring with them the real dorm essentials. If not, get two. Updater is an invite-only moving app that is powered by cutting-edge technology. I did that already and the pain is that with internet only I was paying $75 a month, with cable and internet I would be paying $85 a month. Heres what else youll need. Things you can buy later: Throw pillows, rug, bed frame and bedside table. Area rug (if it's hardwood. State of the art technology for multifamily teams and residents. Trash cans. They offer free shipping so you can buy and have things shipped straight to your house or your students dorm if your purchases total over $99 with code HAPPY., College move-in day is fast approaching, and the best way to prepare for it is to be ready. I also used my desk for eating meals if I didnt feel like eating in the kitchen. Get excited, because were going shopping! Updater. Youll want to consider cleaning the day before you move in its just too much work to clean and move on the same day. This post contains references to products from one or more of our partners and Updater may receive compensation when you purchase those products. Its also helpful to have a bathmat and/or bathroom rug to keep water off your floors. Take this printable checklist with you when you start shopping, and youll be all set. If you are getting a small set for 4 people, for instance, pick up extra spoons as I run out of clean spoons more than other utensils. Obviously, youll make plenty of future grocery trips for specific ingredients, but these are good basics to start with. Outfitting your kitchen with essential gadgets will make a big difference when cooking. Acquiring all the things you need for your first apartment is an expensive undertaking, so you need to go into it with a plan. Well I would love to do that but the issue lies in the fact that I have all of this stuff from my last apartment.